An Act relative to pesticide applications

Massachusetts bill SD 188 (An Act relative to pesticide applications) creates easier ways for private property owners to opt out of municipal pesticide and mosquito control spraying. Instead of sending certified letters to town clerks, residents can now choose to opt out by marking an "opt out" box on annual town census forms or submitting a simplified hand-delivered letter with their name, address, property details, and requested exclusion types. These changes to existing regulations (333 CMR 13.03) must be implemented at least 90 days before the 2026 spraying season begins. The bill directly affects homeowners and property owners seeking to exclude their land from broad pesticide applications.